5 Facts About Ohio Class Submarine Length

The Ohio-class submarine is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines used by the United States Navy. These submarines are among the largest in the world and play a critical role in the country's defense strategy. Here are five interesting facts about the Ohio-class submarine length:

The Ohio-class submarines are massive, with a length of 560 feet (170.69 meters) and a beam of 42 feet (12.8 meters). To put that in perspective, they are longer than a standard American football field and almost as wide as a standard lane on a highway.

Design and Construction

The Ohio-class submarines were designed and built by General Dynamics Electric Boat at its shipyard in Groton, Connecticut. The first submarine in the class, USS Ohio (SSGN-726), was commissioned in 1981, and the last, USS Louisiana (SSBN-743), was commissioned in 1997. The submarines were built to replace the aging Benjamin Franklin-class submarines and to provide a more modern and capable deterrent force.

One of the key features of the Ohio-class submarines is their ability to carry 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. These missiles have a range of over 7,000 miles (11,300 kilometers) and can carry multiple warheads. The submarines also have four 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tubes that can be used to launch torpedoes or Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

Propulsion and Speed

The Ohio-class submarines are powered by a single General Electric PWR S8G nuclear reactor, which provides enough energy to power a small city. The reactor is connected to a gearbox that drives a single propeller shaft, which in turn powers a seven-bladed propeller. The submarines have a top speed of over 20 knots (23 mph) when surfaced and over 25 knots (29 mph) when submerged.

The Ohio-class submarines have a crew of 154 officers and enlisted personnel. The crew is divided into three main departments: the blue crew, the gold crew, and the engineering department. The blue and gold crews alternate 60-day patrols, with the engineering department providing support to both crews.

Upgrades and Modernization

Over the years, the Ohio-class submarines have undergone several upgrades and modernization programs to keep them relevant and effective. One of the most significant upgrades was the installation of the Trident II D5 missile, which replaced the earlier Trident I C4 missile. The submarines have also received upgrades to their command and control systems, as well as improvements to their stealth capabilities.

Despite their age, the Ohio-class submarines remain a critical component of the United States' nuclear deterrent force. They will continue to play an important role in the country's defense strategy for years to come.

Interesting Facts

Here are some additional interesting facts about the Ohio-class submarines:

The Ohio-class submarines are also known as "boomers" due to their ability to launch ballistic missiles.
The submarines have a test depth of over 800 feet (240 meters), although the exact depth is classified.
The Ohio-class submarines have a life expectancy of over 40 years, although they will eventually be replaced by the new Columbia-class submarines.
The submarines have a range of over 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers) without refueling.

Specifications

Here are the specifications for the Ohio-class submarines:

Length: 560 feet (170.69 meters)
Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters)
Draft: 29 feet (8.8 meters)
Displacement: 18,750 tons (18,000 metric tons)
Speed: Over 20 knots (23 mph) surfaced, over 25 knots (29 mph) submerged
Range: Over 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers)
Crew: 154 officers and enlisted personnel
Armament: 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, four 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tubes

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